Sampling apparatus

ABSTRACT

The specification and drawings disclose three embodiments of an apparatus for taking samples from a flowing stream of molten metal. The preferred embodiment comprises a separable sample mold having a thermal shock resistant tube connected thereto. The mold and tube are slidably mounted in a cylindrical, open ended housing. The housing is arranged to totally enclose the mold and tube in a first position. In a second position the tube extends out of the housing for sample taking. Other features disclosed include an arrangement for providing a small diameter pin of sample metal and a system for bonding a hook or loop of metal in the sample for tagging purposes.

O Unlted States Patent [1 1 [111 3,751,986 Boron Aug. 14, 1973 SAMPLINGAPPARATUS Primary Examiner-S. Clement Swisher [75] Inventor: Joseph J.Boron, Doylestown, Pa. Attorney-Albert Sharpe [73] Assignee: Aikoh Co.Ltd., Tokyo, Japan 57] ABSTRACT 22 1 Flled 1972 The specification anddrawings disclose three embodi- [2l] Appl. No.: 240,239 ments of anapparatus for taking samples from a flowv ing stream of molten metal.The preferred embodiment 52 .S. l. a separabkmlnple having a thirmal{51} Eu. 8. I??? 7.37831233 tttttk tttttttttt tttt Tttt ttttttt tttt[58] Field of Search 73/4254 R, DIG. 9; slidably a cylindical ended136/234 housmg. The houslng is arranged to totally enclose the mold andtube in a first position. In a second position [56] Rem-m Cited the tubeextends out of the housing for sample taking. Other features disclosedinclude an arrangement for UNITED STATES A T providing a small diameterpin of sample metal and 21 3,552,214 1/ l97l Collins IS/425.4 R systemfor bondin a hook or lcop of metal in the sam- 3,646,8l6 3/1972Hance....'., 73/DlG. 9 ple for tagging purposes 3,390,578 7/1968 Moore136/234 '7 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PAIENIE we 1 4:915

SHE] 1 [IF 3 FIG FIG-7 PATENTED M13 1 4975 SHEH 2 BF 3 SAMPLINGAPPARATUS The subject invention is directed toward the art of measuringand testing and, more particularly, to an improved sampling device.

The invention is particularly suited for taking samples from streams ofmolten steel and will be described with special reference thereto;however, as will become apparent, the invention is capable of broaderapplication and could be used for many different types of metals.

One known device for sampling a stream of molten metal comprises asmall, separable sample mold container formed, for example, frompowdered iron. A quartz tube connects to the sample mold and both themold and a portion of the tube are encased in core mold sand. The outerend of the quartz tube is open and extends from the core mold sandcasing. The unit is mounted in a cylindrical housing tube with the openend of the quartz tube extending outwardly.

To use the assembly, the cylindrical tube is, in turn, mounted on theouter end of a long lance or the like. The person taking the sample canthus stand at a safe distance from the stream of metal and manipulatethe lance to move the open end of the quartz tube into the metal stream.The molten metal flows through the quartz tube and into the moldcontainer. In approximately five seconds, the sample mold is filled andthe assembly is withdrawn from the stream. After cooling, the core sandsurrounding the mold and the quartz tube are broken, mold containerseparated and the solidified metal sample removed.

The described assembly definitely facilitates sample taking from moltenmetal streams. However, it has certain disadvantages. For example, theexposed end of the quartz tube must be enclosed by some type ofprotective cover during shipping and handling. Moreover, manufacturingproblems are encountered in applying the core sand casing. Also, thecasing increases the weight and cost of the unit.

The subject invention provides an improved construction for theabove-described type of sampling device. Sampling devices formed inaccordance with the invention are simpler, and less expensive toconstruct than the prior devices. Further, the subject overcomesproblems previously encountered in shipping and handling. In particular,the invention contemplates an assembly which includes a mold containerpreferably formed from separable sections and having an open end. Asample receiving tube is joined to the mold container. The mold andsample tube are positioned in a tubular, open ended housing. Preferably,the mold and sample tube are movable in the housing between at least twopositions including a first position wherein the sample tube is enclosedand protected by the housing and a second position wherein the tubeextends from the housing for sample taking.

A more specific aspect of the invention contemplates that preferably,but not necessarily, the housing will comprise a single, open endedcylinder of paper board or the like. The length of the cylinder isdesirably at least as great as the total length of the sample tube andmold. Also, the sample tube and' mold assembly are preferably slidablyreceived in the cylinder. Thus, merely by shifting the assembly in thecylinder, the sample tube can be moved to a protected position forPreferably, but not necessarily, when used for sample taking, thehousing cylinder is mounted on a handle or the like having an endportion adapted to be received in the cylinder a distance sufficient tocause the sample tube to extend out a suitable distance for sampletaking. This assures that the sample tube is properly located relativeto the housing when mounted for use.

Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is the provision of asimplified and improved apparatus for taking samples from streams ofmolten metal.

Another object is the provision of an apparatus of the type describedwherein a simple, tubular housing serves as a shipping container andalso provides a means for mounting the assembly for sample takingoperations.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus of thetype described which is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and easyto use.

The above and other objects and advantages will become apparent from thefollowing description when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view showing a sampling device formed inaccordance with the invention being used for obtaining a sample from astream of molten metal;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1(portions of the device have been broken away to show certain details ofconstruction more clearly;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on lines 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views taken on lines 4-4 and 55respectively of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is an exploded pictorial view of the mold container portion ofthe assembly showing removal of a solidified metal sample;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the assembly in its shipping orhandling position;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but showing amodified form of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a view taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the device of FIGS. 9 and 10in its handling and shipping position;

FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but illustrating a third embodimentof the sampling assembly;

FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing the FIG. 11 embodimentbeing used for sample taking;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 12, and

FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of the solidified sample after removal fromthe FIG. 11 embodiment.

Referring more particularly to the drawings wherein the showings are forthe purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only,and not for the purpose of limiting same, FIG. I shows a stream ofmolten steel I2 which can, for example, be coming from a pouring ladleor the like. A sampling device 14 formed in accordance with theinvention is illustrated as being mounted at the end of a long handle orlance member 16 and positioned such that a small sample of molten metalis being removed from stream 12 for analysis or testing.

FIGS. 2 and 3 best illustrate the details of the preferred form of thesampling assembly I4. In FIGS. 2 and 3 the assembly is shown in itssampling position. In

general, the sampling assembly is shown as including a separableassembly 18 which defines a small mold container. Joined to assembly 18is a sample tube 19 formed from quartz or other material capable ofwithstanding the temperatures and thermal shocks experienced in taking asample from the molten metal stream.

In the embodiment under consideration, the assembly 18 is formed fromtwo mating sections 20 and 22. Although sections 20 and 22 could beformed from many different materials and a variety of techniques, in thesubject embodiment they are formed from powdered iron using knowntechniques. As shown, each of the half sections 20, 22 include anoutwardly extending neck or inlet forming portion 200, 220 respectively.The interiors of the sections 20, 22 dished as shown so that whenpositioned together they define an open inner chamber 24. l

The sample tube 19 is relatively closely received within the neckportions 20a and 22a in the manner shown in FIG. 3. Note that a smallshoulder 26 is formed about the inner wall of the neck portions so as toprovide a stop for proper positioning of the sample tube 19.

In the embodiment under consideration, the sample tube 19 is joined tothe sample mold 18 by a refractory cement 28. A thin walled paper tubeor the like 30 is positioned circumferentially about the neck portion20a and 22a and the refractory ceramic cement fills the annulus betweenthe inner wall of the tube and the outer wall of the neck. Duringmanufacture of the assembly, tube 30 serves to confine the cement untilit hardens.

The sample tube and sample mold assembly are mounted in a housing 34which, in the preferred embodiment, comprises an elongated tubularmember 36. The tubular member 36 comprises a cylinder of relativelyheavy paper board having open ends. The total length of the cylinder 36is preferably at least as great as the total length of the sample tubeand mold assembly. Additionally, as best seen in FIG. 5, the innerdiameter of the cylinder 36 is preferably approximately equal to thediagonal dimension d across mold 18. This allows the assembly to beslidably received within the tube 36.

In order further to orient and position the tube and mold assemblywithin the housing 34, a disc member 40 is received on the tube 30 andhas a diameter corresponding approximately to the inner diameter ofcylinder 36. This maintains the assembly properly positioned but allowsit to slide within the cylinder.

As previously mentioned, the sample tube and mold assembly is slidablewithin the housing 34. This allows it to be moved between a shipping,handling or storage position to a sampling position.

The first or shipping position of the sample tube and mold assemblywithin the housing 34 is illustrated in FIG. 7. Note that in thisposition the quartz tube 19 is enclosed and thus protected for shipmentand handling. To allow the unit to be used for sample taking, the sampletube mold assembly is merely slid within the housing 34 to the positionshown in FIGS. 2 and 3. It should be understood that there should besufficient frictional engagement between the housing and the sample tubeand mold assembly to prevent inadvertent movement during ordinaryhandling. However, the engagement should not be such as to make manualmovement particularly difficult.

The housing 34 also serves for mounting the unit at the end of a handleor the like for the sample taking operation. Note that the elongatedhandle 16 includes an end portion 44 which is threadedly connected to arod 46. End portion 44 is shown as conically shaped and adapted to enterthe end of the cylinder 36. Preferably, the conical end portion 44 issized so that when it is extended in the cylinder 36 sufficientlyproperly to hold the unit, the sample tube 19 is extended out of thetube an amount sufficient to permit it to be inserted into the moltenmetal stream. Further, the conically shaped end portion 44 of the handle16 allows the sampling device 14 to be easily removed from the handleafter the sample taking operation. For example, by tapping device 14against the floor it will be released from the handle assembly sincethere is no fixed positive mechanical connection between the housing andthe tube.

Referring again to FIGS. l-3, it will be seen that the open outer end21a of sample tube 19 is preferably curved as shown. This allows thesample tube to be inserted in the stream and receive the flowing metal.The metal of course impacts the tube therethrough into the mold 18. Boththe mold 18 and the tube 19 are, of course, filled relatively quicklywith molten metal. For example, in approximately five seconds, theinternal chamber of both the mold and the tube are completely filledwith molten metal. It should be understood that air within mold chamber24 is driven out through the parting line between mold halves 20,22.

Although the stream of molten metal is at an extremely high temperaturethe outer housing 34 can be merely a heavy paper board tube. The paperboard is capable of withstanding the temperatures encounteredsufficiently to maintain structural integrity throughout the time periodrequired. Moreover, after use the assembly can be easily removed fromthe housing tube 34 so that the solidified sample can be obtained merelyby smashing the refractory cement joining the tube 19 to the mold halvesand separating the mold halves as shown in FIG. 6.

The resulting solidified metal sample has the shape best shown in FIG.6. Note that it comprises a main body 240 and an elongated cylindricalsection 24b which corresponds to the interior of the quartz tube 19.Depending upon the particular test being performed on the sample, thetube 19 can be sized so as to produce a cylindrical portion of desiredweight and/or length or, weight per unit of length.

FIGS. 8-10 show a modification of the sampling assembly which is closelysimilar to the FIGS. l-7 embodiment. The reference numerals used forcorresponding elements are the same as those used in the FIGS. l-7embodiment but differ therefrom by the addition of a prime suffix. Thedescription of one such element is to be taken as equally applicable tothe correspondingly numbered element unless otherwise noted. In thisembodiment a second tube 21 extends to the right from the mold container18'. This embodiment thus provides a sample with two cylindricalsections of a desired size to allow tests to be conducted withspecified, predetermined size sections. Mold container 18' isconstructed generally the same as mold container 18 of FIGS. l-7;however, a second neck portion 20b and 22b is formed on each half. 20and 22. The tube 21 is bonded or joined to sections 20b and 22b in thesame manner as discussed with reference to quartz tube 19.

The outer end of tube 21 is not curved in the manner of tube 19.Additionally, a small portion of metal or ceramic wool or the like 51 ispositioned in the end of the tube. This allows air to escape from thetube during the sampling operation while preventing the molten metalfrom escaping.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the modified form of sampling devices being used fortaking a sample. It should be noted that the end portion 44 of thehandle 16' has a central opening 53 into which tube 21 is received.Thus, when the assembly is placed on the handle, the tube 21 is notengaged and cannot be accidentally broken.

Referring to FIG. note that the tube or cylinder 36' is of a lengthsufficient to enclose tubes 19' and 21' when the assembly is in theshipping or handling position. Because of the slightly greater length ofthe FIGS. 8-l0 embodiment, tube 36 must be correspondingly longer.

FIGS. ll-14 show a third embodiment of the sampling apparatus which alsoprovides a small diameter pin of sample metal so that small pieces ofpredetermined size or weight can be readily obtained. Elements of thisembodiment which correspond to the FIG. 1 embodiment are identified bythe same reference numerals differentiated therefrom by a double primesuffix. The elements so identified are to be considered as describedwith reference to FIG. 1 unless otherwise noted.

In FIG. 1I-14 embodiment the mold halves and 22" are provided withsomewhat larger neck portions 20a" and 22a". Also, a second smaller tube60 is carried under the tube 20". Tube 60 can be formed from anysuitable temperature and thermal shock resistant material such as quartzor Pyrex glass. As shown, tube 60 is in communication with the interiorof the mold so that metal can flow from the mold into the tube.Additionally, the end of the tube 60 is plugged with metal or ceramicwool or the like so that air can escape while the molten metal isretained.

The tubes 19" and 60 are joined to the mold through the use of arefractory cement 28". It should be appreciated that the sleeve 30" mustbe somewhat larger in diameter than the corresponding sleeve 30 of FIG.1.

FIG. 14 illustrates the shape of the solidified metal sample after it isremoved from the mold and tubes. Note that it comprises the main body24a" and the two cylindrical pin sections 24b" and 60b.

The FIG. Ill-l4 embodiment also illustrates how a tagging loop can beinstalled in the sample. As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a small loopof wire 64 can be positioned at the parting line between the mold halves20" and 22" in the manner shown. The ends of the loop 64 extend into themold cavity. Thus, after a sample is taken and solidified the loop ispermanently attached as shown in FIG. 14. This allows identifying tagsor the like to be readily attached to the sample.

Although not shown, it should be appreciated that materials orsubstances can be placed within the sample tubes or mold chambers of anyof the three embodiments for producing some effect on the sample ifdesired. For example, a section of aluminum wire can be placed in thesample tubes to serve as a deoxidant.

The invention has been described in great detail sufficient to enableone of ordinary skill to make and use the same. Obviously, modificationsand alterations in the preferred embodiments will occur to others upon areading and understanding of the specification. All such alterations areto be considered as part of the invention insofar as they come withinthe scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for taking samples from a stream of molten metalcomprising:

container means forming a mold chamber for receiving a sample quantityof said molten metal;

a sample tube communicating with said chamber and having an open endadapted to be placed in said stream of molten metal to supply said metalto said chamber;

a tubular housing enclosing said container means and said sample tube,said housing having a length at least as great as the combined length ofsaid container means and said sample tubes, said container means andsaid sample tube being mounted in said housing for selective movementbetween a first position wherein said sample tube is within said housingto a second position wherein said sample tube extends from said housingfor sample taking.

2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubular housingcomprises an open ended cylinder having an internal diameter to slidablyreceive said container means.

3. The apparatus as defined in claim I wherein said sample tube isjoined to said container means by a refractory cement and wherein saidsample tube is formed from a temperature and thermal shock resistantmaterial.

4. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing is opened atboth ends and slidably receives said container means and wherein adisc-shaped collar is positioned about a said sample tube and extendsradially outward into slidable engagement with the walls of saidhousing.

5. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises apaper board tube opened at both ends.

6. The apparatus as defined in claim I wherein said sample tube isformed from quartz.

7. Apparatus for taking a sample from a stream of molten metalcomprising:

container means forming a mold chamber for receiving a quantity of saidmolten metal, said container means including a pair of mating moldsections having cooperating portions providing an inlet channel;

a sample tube positioned in said channel for directing molten metal intosaid mold chamber, said sample tube being bonded to said container meansby a refractory cement;

a housing enclosing said container means and said sample tube, thelength of said housing at least as great as the total length of saidcontainer means and said sample tube; and,

said container means and said sample tubes slidably mounted within saidhousing for movement between a first position wherein said sample tubeis enclosed by said housing to a second position wherein said sampletube extends from said housing.

1. Apparatus for taking samples from a stream of molten metalcomprising: container means forming a mold chamber for receiving asample quantity of said molten metal; a sample tube communicating withsaid chamber and having an open end adapted to be placed in said streamof molten metal to supply said metal to said chamber; a tubular housingenclosing said container means and said sample tube, said housing havinga length at least as great as the combined length of said containermeans and said sample tubes, said container means and said sample tubebeing mounted in said housing for selective movement between a firstposition wherein said sample tube is within said housing to a secondposition wherein said sample tube extends from said housing for sampletaking.
 2. The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said tubularhousing comprises an open ended cylinder having an internal diameter toslidably receive said container means.
 3. The apparatus as defined inclaim 1 wherein said sample tube is joined to said container means by arefractory cement and wherein said sample tube is formed from atemperature and thermal shock resistant material.
 4. The apparatus asdefined in claim 1 wherein said housing is opened at both ends andslidably receives said container means and wherein a disc-shaped collaris positioned about a said sample tube and extends radially outward intoslidable engagement with the walls of said housing.
 5. The apparatus asdefined in claim 1 wherein said housing comprises a paper board tubeopened at both ends.
 6. The apparAtus as defined in claim 1 wherein saidsample tube is formed from quartz.
 7. Apparatus for taking a sample froma stream of molten metal comprising: container means forming a moldchamber for receiving a quantity of said molten metal, said containermeans including a pair of mating mold sections having cooperatingportions providing an inlet channel; a sample tube positioned in saidchannel for directing molten metal into said mold chamber, said sampletube being bonded to said container means by a refractory cement; ahousing enclosing said container means and said sample tube, the lengthof said housing at least as great as the total length of said containermeans and said sample tube; and, said container means and said sampletubes slidably mounted within said housing for movement between a firstposition wherein said sample tube is enclosed by said housing to asecond position wherein said sample tube extends from said housing.